2 weeks post-excisional biopsy: what to do to minimize scarring?

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buttercups
buttercups Member Posts: 4
edited February 2020 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

I had my excisional biopsy (incisions below my areola) 2.5 weeks ago, and my Steri-Strips still haven't come off. I expect they will come off soon, and I'm wondering what measures I should take at that point to minimize scarring. Should I put new Steri-Strips on or try silicone sheets (recs for brand) or...? In particular, I'm nervous about what to do when I develop PMS breast swelling.

thanks for your advice :)

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited February 2020

    Hi buttercups, your doctor typically should send you home with post-op instructions. What did they suggest? As for PMS swelling, we hope that the incision is healed well enough that this should not be an issue. Here are some suggestions if you should have delayed wound healing https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/side_effect....

    Keep us posted, and we really hope all is benign, and you heal well!

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  • buttercups
    buttercups Member Posts: 4
    edited February 2020

    My post-op instructions end at "Keep the Steri-Strips in place for 2 weeks."

    I developed PMS breast swelling 2 weeks after my core biopsy, and even though my incision had healed well and I had little to no pain in the intervening weeks, I was in quite a bit of pain! Hence my concern now...

    (everything was benign - thanks for asking! )

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited February 2020

    I was told to leave the steri strips on until they fell off - likely in the shower. Each doc has their preferred methods for scar treatment. I'm sure you'll get lots of answers, but do check with your doc about what they recommend or what they absolutely 'forbid'.

    Sorry, it sounds like you have a lumpectomy under the nipple so I can't speak to the swelling.

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  • buttercups
    buttercups Member Posts: 4
    edited February 2020

    I asked my surgeon what to do to minimize scarring and she replied, "nothing else to do."

    so I'm on my own here. I guess I'll put fresh Steri Strips on when the original ones fall off.

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  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 2,156
    edited February 2020

    You might want to consult a dermatologist. I would consider Vitamin E oil, but always ask your Dr first. Wear a compression-type open front sports bra to help with swelling. Best wishes

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited February 2020

    I would not do more steri strips. Since the results came back benign and you DO NOT have cancer, I agree with keepthefaith - make an appointment with a dermatologist. You should always check with a doc when treating surgical sites. Vit E oil is good. CeraVe Lotion is good.

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  • alto
    alto Member Posts: 233
    edited February 2020

    FWIW, I didn't really do anything for either my excision or mastectomy, and my scars have healed well.

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